A Manitowoc Parks and Recreation Department employee cuts grass on the city property along Lakeview Drive next to the Manitowoc Harbor on Wednesday. / Sue Pischke/Gannett Wisconsin Media

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Post-Crescent Media

Heavy rains and a sudden burst of sunshine in the Fox Valley have helped the grass to grow quickly, causing some lots to sprout out of control.

Most communities field complaints from neighbors and give warnings to property owners before issuing fines and having the grass cut by a contractor or city employee.

Those fines can be steep and are tacked on to the tax bill if the property owner fails to pay them.

Here’s a look at what communities charged in 2012 for the lawn beautification service.

Appleton: $33,470

The city’s public works department answers between 300 and 500 complaints for unruly lawns each year, said director Paula Vandehey.

Neighborhoods have an 8-inch rule, while undeveloped lots can grow to 12 inches before the city gets involved. Workers will drop off a door-hanger warning, giving residents two days to comply.

After that, the city will charge a $160 fine, get a warrant from the county court commissioner and send its contractor, B & V Maintenance, to cut the grass. The resident also receives a bill from the contractor depending on yard size.

In 2012, 171 properties were cut, including six that required maintenance more than once. The contractor received $6,110 for its services and the city issued $27,360 in fines.

Neenah: $11,285

The city’s code enforcement officers check a property after a complaint is fielded. They send letters to residents with a five-day warning.

If the grass remains uncut, the city will cut the lawn and bill a minimum $105, plus another $80 for lawns that take more than an hour to cut.

In 2012, the city cut 53 lawns and issued $11,285 in fines.

Menasha: $4,876.40

The city has an 8-inch rule for grass and follows state rules for weeds. City staff will cut lawns that are unkempt.

In 2012, 81 lawns were cut and the city issued $4,876.40 in fines or about $60 per lawn.

Grand Chute: $1,257

The town has two contractors, Lakeshore Cleaners and Arendt’s, that provide lawn services.

Lots have an 8-inch rule and are given a week to comply after receiving a notification.